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A campaign for action at a South Craven accident blackspot is being backed by the area’s MP.

Julian Smith has called for North Yorkshire County Council to look again at the notorious Cononley Lane Ends junction on the A629.

Parish councillors in Cononley and Farnhill – the villages either side of the junction – last month called for safety work.

They said most residents refused to use the junction due to the number of accidents and near misses.

The councillors were backed by North Yorkshire county councillor Patrick Mulligan, whose research revealed the junction was the worst accident blackspot in Craven.

Mr Smith said the issue was raised on Saturday when he met parish councillors. He said he had promised to put the county council under pressure to revisit the problem and added: “The council seems to be very much giving its standard response on their risk assessment.

“When you look at the number of deaths there have been at the junction, and the worry it gives people coming out, it does merit a further look.

“I think the council should come back and look, and meet with residents. We have to get them to focus on treating the community’s concerns seriously.”